Question

Several companies are rushing to develop new methods for taking wealthy tourists
into space. That has resulted in numerous technological advances. With more
millionaires on Earth than ever, companies see an enormous potential in capitalizing on
the human desire to explore. Meanwhile, technology is advancing on other frontiers as
well. Even the extreme depths of the ocean are becoming accessible as advances in
submersible technologies occur at a breakneck speed. It may not be long before people
are afforded stunning views of deep-sea depths previously left to the imagination.

Why would it be reasonable to predict that companies will soon offer tourists rides into
the ocean depths?

1

2

3

Profit-seeking companies will continue to develop enticing markets
catering to millionaires looking to explore.

The market for space tourism will be flooded with extreme-travel
companies and will no longer prove to be profitable.

Millionaires will soon view deep-sea adventures as a much more exciting
alternative to traveling into space.

Answer 1

Answer: 1 only.

Explanation: The passage states (a) rapid technological advances in submersibles are making deep-sea views accessible and (b) there are many wealthy potential customers and companies are driven to exploit such markets. Together these facts make it reasonable that profit-seeking firms will offer deep-ocean tourist rides. Options 2 and 3 introduce claims (space tourism becoming unprofitable; millionaires preferring deep-sea to space) that are not supported by the passage.